This is a widely held belief among many that co-parenting a canine companion following a split is a recipe for trouble. Most will argue such situations hinder individuals from moving forward, create logistical nightmares, spark arguments, and are a nuisance for all parties. As it turns out, and in a twist suited to a streaming movie, it also makes the canine in question to experience sadness.
Not to downplay the emotional well-being of dogs – many owners speak of their remarkable empathy. For a masterclass in canine melancholy, one need only look a past film. I firmly believe that a dog like Merv, a spirited little dog played by a talented dog named Gus, would have a hard time coping with split households. The idea of basing an entire Christmas romance on such a setup holds water is debatable at best.Predictable Foundations
To its credit, Merv, the work of its screenwriters and directed by director Swale, doesn't pretend to be more profound than its premise. We have here a holiday release from a major tech-and-media conglomerate – the complexity is limited. The narrative unfolds as simple and direct: exes Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, forced to acknowledge that their post-breakup gloom is matched by their dog's, embark on a therapeutic trip to a luxury pet hotel. At this location, predictably, they will undoubtedly rediscover the idea that they belong with each other. The supporting cast – including Chris Redd, Jasmine Mathews, and others – serve as quirky, thinly written, or broadly comic. Its aesthetic carries the feel of a streaming service original, with a wintry atmosphere that is clearly manufactured – as seen in fake snow clinging to lush pines as North Carolina substitutes for the Northeast.
Where the Film Shines
Whether these predictable parts coalesce into a pleasant experience depends on the strength of the performances and one's taste for easy entertainment. For the comfort factor, Merv targets a specific viewer – individuals who browse regularly for cute animal clips. The film delivers a plethora of canine-centric sequences. The central draw is the dog, and though it results in some stilted moments between animal action and people's faces, the movie delivers on walking sequences, canine sorrow, and, in the end, doggie joy.
Where It Wobbles
Such effectiveness is not earned for the romantic plot. The tone wavers between serious study, wacky comedy, standard rom-com beats, and silly gags, failing to master a consistent feel. This is not the actor playing Russ, who is willing to embrace the humiliating and funny required by the bizarre setting. Cox exhibits a endearing lack of ego that provides much of the film's charm for this on-the-rocks couple. Anna's portrayer, true to her usual style, brings a certain millennial quirkiness that will either resonate with viewers. The character comes across as a touch too detached, particularly when paired with Cox's heartfelt sincerity. (On another note, Gus the Dog succeeds in acting depressed – not quite a canine thespian of that caliber, he's definitely an excellent dog.)
The story strives to provide depth to the couple's history for sequences focusing solely on them – a bit of a pity, given that the dog is undoubtedly the cutest element of this film designed for charm. Unsurprisingly, it meets the bare minimum. The catalyst for their original breakup would feel more grounded and mature with greater exploration and more subtle storytelling. As it stands, Merv is light and sugary, fulfilling all its marks. Crafting a story about dog co-parenting is not terrible – though I wouldn't call it a stroke of genius.
- Merv premieres on the Amazon platform on December 10th.
